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WIW: Holidays

Sharon

Veteran

I am going to try and continue posting weekly WIWs, just because I found it so helpful in determining style direction. This was last week when I was on holidays and mostly pottering around at home, hence lots of shorts! My two summer casual silhouettes are trapeze/loose top over shorts and loose dresses.

The top in #1, the crop in #2 and the skirt in #3 are all from a new-to-me high end Australian fashion brand. I have decided that trapeze shapes and loose crops are the styles I feel happiest in and will buy in winter fabrications when the weather cools. My dilemma is what bottoms to wear with them. I have realised that I never feel fab in jeans. I didn't even really like the white jeans in #5, so suggestions for casual winter silhouettes would be welcome.

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24 replies

Latest reply was from Beth Ann

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I love that first top Sharon - it looks amazing on you. IMO trapeze/loose tops look best with very simple bottoms like a stretchy tube skirt or long fitted shorts. I see you bought the Wittners shoes too

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sharon, these are all such strong, simple, and exceptionally chic looks. I love your trapeze tops and your fun (cool looking) loose shorts. These shapes work so well for your climate, your style, your body, your life.

You LOOK great in jeans. So that is not the issue. I think perhaps the problem is they do not feel dressy and/or feminine enough for your style? And yet they are practical for fall/winter temps? You need more casual bottoms for winter as well as skirt looks for work?

At this point I might ask myself what it is that makes me feel unfab in jeans. Is it the fabrication, level of casualness, or something else. Because if you can isolate what it is, then finding the replacement items for your closet will be easier.

If it is just a matter of needing bottoms that are practical but not as casual as jeans, trousers should do it (at least in part). You could try more interesting cuts, like slouchy track pants in a nice fabric, or similar. If jeans are not feminine enough but you still want a casual item, what about trying the skirted legging look? Or do what I did and get a casual dress that can be worn with a knit (or other) topper for added warmth, with tights.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, and TOTALLY second Caro's suggestion of tube skirts. I love that silhouette. I had trouble making it work in winter before because for some reason the VC tube skirts stick to tights like there is no tomorrow. But I got a slightly shorter tube skirt and wear it now with oversize tops (not trapeze, exactly, but a similar vibe) and I adore this silhouette -- I think it works for us with small bust, strong shoulder line, relatively slim hips.

Also, a knit tube skirt feels quite different from a structured pencil. This is good and bad. It's bad if you are seeking structure (which I often am when I am out in the world working), but great if you are on a casual day. I think the knits casualize more easily. They can also feel cozier in cool weather.

Plus, a skirt is by definition feminine.

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Sharon

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Caro, I like the idea of a tube skirt! We are sandal twins, aren't we? I have found them to be really useful - in fact I nearly duplicated in white when they went on sale, but my size were all gone!
Suz, thanks for the ideas and food for thought. I think you got it it absolutely right - jeans feel both too casual and not feminine enough. Work outfits I usually manage to feel good in, but I struggle so much with finding casual looks that are the right level of dressiness and girly-ness! Maybe I need to buy my winter tops first, then shop for bottoms. ETA: Ok, now I've just seen your tube skirt looks, and I love them! I think this may be what I need-comfy and warm, but feminine. Thank you so much for posting!

karymk

Veteran

You are really good at your silhouettes Sharon!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

GREAT looks all round, Sharon. I think #1 ad #4 are quite sublime.

Another vote for knitted tube skirts, and how well they work with trapeze tops.

Have you tried jeans with a lower rise and a more fluid fit, Sharon? I'm pretty sure you'll feel AS great in jeans once you find the right fit.

Sharon

Veteran

Thanks, Angie. I think boyfriend styles feel too casual and sloppy on me - I hasten to add that I like them on other people! I have a pair of dark 7FAM boot cuts that I actually feel OK in and they ARE a lower rise which I usually avoid. I have middle section softness that is not flattered by a low rise, but I suppose if I'm wearing voluminous tops, it won't be an issue. Maybe trouser jeans? I feel like I have had a few tries with jeans over the past few years, and never really made them work for me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It sounds like some of it might be the fabrication, Sharon. I have this sense that part of why you like dressier clothes has to do with the "hand" of the fabrics; it is a textural thing. (I could be totally off base, but I'm guessing based on your WIWs). Jeans are either a bit "crunchy" and "heavy" feeling or they are super stretchy but somehow not fluid.

Anyway, this is how I sometimes feel myself, although I know you would never guess it, given how much I currently wear denim.

I have found that different jeans do affect me differently. One reason I adore my Citizens of Humanity Racers is the weight/ texture. There's just something about it that I can't explain -- it's not thin, it's not thick. It's got a tiny bit of stretch, but doesn't feel "stretchy." And the fit is "just so." All of this combines to make them feel dressier to me somehow.

Meanwhile, my all cotton BF jeans from True Religion feel good in a completely different way and in completely different weather. I really like them in transitional weather. They are a heavier, "crunchier" fabric yet feel soft inside. And I like to wear with a sleeve button up shirt or a knit with some fluidity -- tucked in --- this helps to prevent that "sloppy" look you mention.

I do think tube skirts could be a great addition to your closet. I really love mine in summer, too, with trapeze style tops.

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Great outfits - I do think you need to play around with different fits to find jeans or trousers that seem right to you. Love the trapeze tops!

Deborah

Veteran

Goodness Sharon these are fabulous outfits. I think you are the Queen of Modern Trend! Now you must spill the beans on where everthing is from.. please??

jackiec

Veteran

Wow! I just love #2 and #4, but all looks are fab. Great advice so far.

Sharon

Veteran

Suz, I think as usual you may be right! I really wish I felt good in jeans, as they are such a simple and stylish solution.
Deborah, the top and skirt in #1 and #3 are my Christmas two-piece dress broken into separates. That and the orange crop are from ScanlonTheodore. I am so in love with this brand at the moment! I am not going to buy any more summer clothes this season but every time I look there I am tempted. I have no money in the budget until February, and it really is just as well!
The shorts are Country Road. The jeans are Just Jeans.
The rest are things I have posted before and are Cue or Veronika Maine.

Deborah

Veteran

Thanks! It's just so much of what we see on the Forum is from the US, it's great to identify some good Aussie brands. Never worn S&T but they have always produced fantastic clothing.

Sharon

Veteran

Deborah, I had never heard of them before! A new section opened at my local Westfields that has all Australian designers, so I have had a bit of an education. There is also Manning Cartell, Zimmerman, Sass and Bide, Carla Zampatti and Camilla! So great to see so many Australian groups.

Manning Cartell have really interesting fabrics, but the styles don't work for me. Zimmerman and Sass and Bide are a bit too out there for my taste. CZ I love for classics. Camilla is too glitzy and boho for me, although I'm told it is THE place if you want a kaftan.

Deborah

Veteran

That sounds like a wonderful shopping experience!! Our local Red Cross Op Shop had a large range of Sass & Bide garments recently. I think they were excess stock. They still have a grey silky jacket that I had my eye on:) But generally they are not to my taste either. I think I need to look closer at S&T..

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Therese Rawsthorne, bul & Akira use some fabulous fabrics Sharon

Sharon

Veteran

Thanks, Caro. I'll check them out!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Elizabeth P

Veteran

What a great set of outfits Sharon. And I love the way you Aussies are all exchanging designer tips and helping each other out. You're making me wish we had access to some of them!

Would white linen pants be an option for you? Instead of your white jeans? Different silhouette obviously, but I got a lot of enjoyment out of mine last summer, as did Suz (I think)

Linen drapey drawstring pant

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Anonymous

You're so adept at strong silhouettes with an edge. Love all iterations Sharon.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sharon, I'm thinking of relaxed skinnies, tailored straight legs, or flares. xo

Sharon

Veteran

Thanks, Angie, I will have another try when the weather cools again.

NicVine2014

Wow, I was so drawn to your style and reading through now realise you are a fellow Aussie and my favourite pieces in your looks are Scanlan (an absolute favourite when it's within the budget)! Particularly love #1!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Love the sculptured look of the new items! Stunning and crisp -- which is a luxury in hot weather. I think the white out in 4 is special too -- feminine and a nice combination of structure and drape.